Surface Water
Water that sits on top of the land—rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs. Contrasted with groundwater, which is held underground in aquifers.
Related terms
Groundwater Water stored in underground aquifers, supplying private wells and many municipal drinking water systems. Once contaminated, it is extremely slow and costly to clean. Wastewater Discharge The release of used water—from homes, factories, or treatment plants—into rivers, lakes, oceans, or soil. Industrial wastewater can contain chemicals, heavy metals, or biological waste. Discharge Monitoring Report A required record submitted by facilities holding water discharge permits, documenting the volume and content of pollutants they release into surface waters.